When summer bass push shallow into the weeds, success comes down to two things: targeting the right spots and using gear built to handle the chaos. In this case, the chaos is deep, stringy cabbage and bass with nowhere to go but sideways once they’re hooked.
Enter the Daiwa Tatula Elite Pitch & Flip. A reel purpose-built for anglers who demand precision, power, and quick response in thick cover situations.
Why the Daiwa Tatula Elite Pitch & Flip Stands Out
Developed in collaboration with top pros, the Tatula Elite Pitch & Flip is more than just a high-speed reel. It’s a specialist’s tool designed to do one thing exceptionally well: pull big fish out of the thick stuff. 
Key Features:
- Gear Ratio: 7.1:1 and 8.1:1 for ultra-fast line pickup
- T-Wing System (TWS): Reduces friction and improves casting distance
- Aluminum Frame & Side Plate: Durable and rigid under pressure
- Zero Adjuster + Magforce-Z Braking: Simplified tuning and precise control
- 100mm Swept Handle with Power Knobs: Great leverage for serious hooksets
- Quick Engage Thumb Bar: Instant engagement for fast hooksets mid-drop
“If you’re pitching to shallow cover and a bass hits before your bait even touches bottom, the ability to engage instantly is game-changing,” says Jake from the boat.
Mastering Weedline Fishing with the Right Gear
For this outing, we were exploring cabbage-filled lakes where weed growth varies from 4 to 14 feet. While many expect bass to hold on the deeper edge, most of the bigger fish were found tight to the inside weed edge, shallow and aggressive.
This is where the Tatula Elite PF shines.
Flipping vs. Pitching: What Makes the Tatula Elite PF Ideal
Flipping and pitching require controlled line management, which the Tatula excels at. The high-speed 8.1:1 gear ratio allows for rapid bait retrieval, ideal when you’re hitting dozens of targets in a day. And when a bass hammers your jig before it even settles, which happens often, the quick-engaging thumb bar ensures you’re ready to drive that hook home instantly.
“We’re letting a little extra line out to work the bait in place without pulling it toward us. That’s a huge part of the presentation,” Jake explains. “And this reel makes it effortless.”
Built to Withstand Heavy Abuse
Pitching into dense vegetation and dragging bass out demands durability and torque. The Tatula Elite PF’s aluminum frame and heavy-duty internal gearing give you the confidence to rip fish out of heavy cover without hesitation.
Pair it with a heavy-action rod and braided line, and you’ve got a setup capable of:
- Punching through heavy mats
- Pitching jigs or creature baits precisely
- Winching 4–6 lb. bass out of the thick stuff
Perfect Pairings: Rods and Line for the Tatula PF
While the reel is the hero here, it’s part of a complete system. For best results:
- Rod: Heavy-action 7’4″–7’6″ flipping stick
- Line: 40–65 lb. braid or 15–25 lb. fluorocarbon
- Lures: ½ to 1 oz jigs, creature baits, or punch rigs with heavy-duty hooks
This combination lets you make tight, accurate pitches and put the power to good use when the fight begins.
Who Is This Reel For?
If you’re a bass angler who lives in the weeds, whether it’s flipping in Florida mats or pitching to shallow cabbage in the Midwest, the Daiwa Tatula Elite Pitch & Flip is built with you in mind.
It’s not an all-purpose reel, and that’s the point. It’s a highly specialized tool for anglers who want to dominate the shallows, winch fish from cover, and not worry whether their reel can handle it.
If you want maximum control, fast hooksets, and bulletproof durability for pitching and flipping, this reel should be on your deck.
